The early matches of the T20 World Cup 2026 have significantly changed the tournament's trajectory and perception, particularly highlighted by the match between Nepal and England at Wankhede Stadium. England batted first and scored 184 runs in their 20 overs, but Nepal kept the pressure on, requiring six runs off the last ball to win the game. Sam Curran bowled the final delivery, and Nepal's attempt to hit a big shot fell short, leading to England narrowly winning by four runs.

Despite the scoreboard showing an England victory, the cricketing world has been abuzz about Nepal's performance throughout the match. They played fearlessly against England's fast bowlers, including Jofra Archer, Luke Wood, and spinner Adil Rashid. This spirited showing has raised eyebrows in the cricket community, with discussions on how Nepal's competitive play indicates that even traditionally weaker teams are now pushing the boundaries in international cricket.

Nepal's captain issued a strong message to other teams, warning them not to underestimate his squad. This match serves as a reminder that in modern cricket, any team can pose a threat, and it emphasizes the rising competitive nature of the T20 format. As the tournament progresses, teams will need to adjust their strategies, acknowledging that no opponent can be taken lightly, regardless of their past performance in international fixtures.